Ferrari FF revealed

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WITH VIDEOS -- Ferrari revealed the first photos of its new FF model on Friday and calls it the most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as Ferrari's first-ever four-wheel-drive car.

Oh, yes, and it's a hatchback!

Ferrari says that the FF--its name is an acronym for "Ferrari Four" (four seats, four-wheel drive)--replaces its 612 Scagletti and ushers in an entirely new GT sports-car concept.

Like the California, Ferrari says that the FF is intended to be more usable than outgoing models. The Italian firm hopes it will bring new customers to the family. Ferrari sees the Bentley Continental GT/GTC and the Aston Martin Rapide as prime competition, not to mention coupes from Porsche, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Noting that it will hit 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and top out at a smokin' 208 mph, we think Ferrari should include jet-propelled vehicles in the competitive set, too.

Prices have yet to be announced. It will debut at the Geneva motor show--for more coverage of the Geneva show go to http://www.autoweek.com/section/geneva--and go on sale in the United States in the fall.

A new 6.3-liter V12 powers the car, putting out a stout 651 hp at 8,000 rpm, just 10 hp less than the 599 GTO--now, that'll haul the freakin' groceries! As for torque, it's rated at a robust 504 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm.

The four-wheel-drive system is called 4RM. Ferrari has released few details on the patented system, but officials say it manages continuous torque distribution to all four wheels and weighs half of what a conventional four-wheel-drive system weighs..

READ THE FERRARI PRESS RELEASE

Maranello, 21st January 2011 – The official Prancing Horse web site, Ferrari.com, has revealed the first photographs of the new FF, the company's most powerful, versatile four-seater ever, as well as its first ever four-wheel drive car.

The FF - an acronym for Ferrari Four (four seats and four-wheel drive) - ushers in an entirely new GT sports car concept. A decisive break with the past, the new car represents not so much an evolution as a true revolution.

This new V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.

Designed by Pininfarina, the shape and proportions perfectly interpret the FF's harmonious blend of sporting DNA and extraordinary usability.

The FF features the company's first ever four-wheel drive system. Ferrari's exclusive, patented 4RM (four-wheel drive) weighs 50 percent less than a conventional four-wheel-drive system, maintaining perfect weight distribution (53 percent over the rear axle). Completely integrated with the car's electronic dynamic control systems, the four-wheel-drive technology delivers record levels of performance on all terrains and in all conditions via continuous and intelligent predictive torque distribution to all four wheels. The FF is also equipped with the latest magnetorheological damping system (SCM3), as well as the most recent development in carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo.

Exceptional performance levels come courtesy of the new 6,262 cc direct injection engine which develops 660 CV at 8,000 rpm. In tandem with its transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, stunning acceleration figures (0-100 km/h in 3.7 sec.) are guaranteed. The new model's class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 2.7 kg/CV, along with its ideal weight distribution, ensures exceptionally responsive handling. The result is that owners will be able to enjoy the FF's prowess over a wide range of uses: city driving, on low grip or snow-covered surfaces and on the track.

Performance aside, Maranello's latest model also offers standards of passenger space, comfort, in-car spec and equipment previously unheard of in such a high-performance car. It can comfortably accommodate four people and their luggage, thanks to the best cabin space and boot capacity (450 litres extendable to 800) figures in its category, including four-door cars.

A vast array of personalisation options and accessories has been developed for the FF. These include six model-specific exterior colors and sumptuous interior trim incorporating specially selected and treated aniline leather.

The FF, which will make its official debut in occasion of the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, is presented today with the first three photos from a dedicated shoot by Giovanni Gastel.